Manager, Procurement & Strategic Partnerships - Chassis at Zoox (Foster City, CA)
Zoox· Foster City, CA· $182k–$251k·
Role details
Job description
The Manager, Procurement & Strategic Partnerships will lead a high-performing procurement team responsible for the end-to-end strategic sourcing, commercial execution, and lifecycle management of Zoox’s chassis control portfolio, including suspension, braking, and steering systems. Operating in a demanding, fast-paced environment, this role blends people leadership with commercial execution - driving global supplier strategies, leading contract negotiations, and partnering closely with Engineering, Program, Quality and Finance to meet vehicle cost, quality, and production milestones.
In this role, you will:
- Team Leadership & Integrity: Build, scale, and mentor a high-performing procurement team while maintaining compliance with company policies and the highest standard of professional ethics.
- Sourcing Strategy: Lead the end-to-end RFI/RFQ/RFP processes and develop long-term global sourcing strategies for chassis components to minimize cost and optimize terms.
- Commercial Negotiations: Lead complex negotiations for master supply agreements, production statements of work and secure best-in-class pricing.
- Cross-Functional Alignment: Partner with Engineering and Finance to build 3–5 year technology and costing roadmaps, ensuring technical requirements meet Design for Manufacturing (DfM) and vehicle margin targets.
- Supplier & Risk Management: Map the supply chain, evaluate supplier performance, and leverage data analysis to mitigate supply chain risks, ensure business continuity, and maintain automotive PPAP standards.
Qualifications
- Industry Experience: 10+ years of purchasing, procurement, or commodity management experience within the automotive chassis, vehicle dynamics, or heavy industrial manufacturing industry preferred, comparable electro mechanical experience will also be considered.
- People Leadership: Minimum 3+ years of dedicated experience directly managing, mentoring, and leading a team of purchasing professionals.
- Technical Acumen: Working knowledge of chassis product development, vehicle dynamics, and advanced manufacturing processes (e.g., forging, casting, machining, and mechanical/electromechanical assembly) preferred.
- Data & Analytics: Strong capabilities in organizing complex data, bid leveling, and financial forecasting, with high proficiency in Microsoft Excel/Google Sheets.
- Communication & Influence: Exceptional verbal, written, and presentation skills to build alignment and influence internal and cross functional stakeholders.
Why work at Zoox
- Culture: Diverse, supportive community with inclusion‑focused strategy. Crew‑led groups for personal and professional development. Emphasis on trust, humility, and openness zoox.com/careers
- Work environment: Hybrid? The careers page lists many roles as “On‑site” in Foster City, CA, with other office locations available. In‑office perks include a famous food program with daily changing local and sustainable dishes, plus a busy calendar of events and sports teams.
- Benefits: Comprehensive health plans (Cigna), mental health support, wellbeing program, flexible time off, generous family planning and caregiver support, and a commitment to work‑life balance.
- Growth opportunities: Work on cutting‑edge autonomous vehicle technology alongside some of the brightest minds in AI, engineering, computer vision, and more. Offers internships and re‑entry programs (via Path Forward) for career returners.
- Recruitment process: Uses AI tools to assist in reviewing applications but final decisions are human. No fees are charged at any stage – watch for recruitment scams zoox.com/journal/landing-a-job-zoox